Method of and apparatus for magnetically recording sound



Sept. 3, 1940. H. s. HELLER ET AL 2,213,631

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY RECORDING SOUND Filed Oct. 25, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet l 5: a Q "M L fnveniors. N Hermanflfiellen Leo 6. Bu/fler.

P 1940- H. s. HELLER ET AL 2,213,631

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY RECORDING SOUND Filed Oct. 2'5, 195'; e Sheets-Sheet 2 "3 a h a 8% N lnverzloni Hemmfll/ellen Leo 631E107:

Sept. 3, 1940.

H. S. HELLER ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALILY RECORDING SOUND Filed Oct. 25, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 lnvenlom'.

Herman Jflfellen Leo (ifiufler.

p 3, 1940- I H. s. HELLER El AL 2,213,631

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY RECORDING SOUND Lea 6. Hui lei:

p 1940- H. s. HELLER El AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY RECORDING SOUND Filed Oct. 25, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 3, 1940. H s HELLER 5 AL 2,213,631

' mm'on OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY amconnme sounn Filed Oct. 25, 1937 v s Sheets-Sheet e LINE Herman/51 Heller. Leo 6- Bali er.

Patented Sept. 3, .1940

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAG- NETICALLY RECORDING SOUND Herman S. Heller, West Los Angeles, and Leo G. Butler, Inglewood, Calif.; said Butler assignor to said Heller Application October 25, 1937, Serial No. 170,988

41 Claims.

ble to make a continuous recording of a desirable duration on a convenient length of the recording wire or tape.

It is accordingly a primary general object of the present invention to provide a magnetic re,- cording machine in which a recording of comparatively long duration may be made on a recording element of a normal or convenient length.

This general object is accomplished, first, by the provision of a recording element and pole pieces of such a nature that the recording element may be driven at lower speed than has been normal in prior machines of this class, and second by use of a magnetic recording element of the fiat tape type and recording a multiplicity of times along the length of the tape in laterally spaced, or contiguous lines or lane's. ent preferred form of the invention, the tape is driven through the machine first in one direction and then in the other, a recording being made on the tape during each such trip, and successive recordings being spaced laterally of one another on the width of the tape. Such multiple lane recording may be accomplished in various manners, though in the present preferred embodiment of the invention, as herein disclosed and specifically claimed, a multiplicity of sets of recording coils and pole pieces are provided, one allotted to and positioned opposite each recording lane. Another manner of accomplishing multiple lane recording is disclosed in a copending application ofHerman S. Heller, entitled Multiple lane magnetic sound'recording system, filed Jan. 22, 1938, Serial No. 186,351, the generic claims broadly covering multiple lane recording being made, however, in the present application.

Further objects of the invention are:

To provide novel and improved automatic means, in a multiple lane magnetic recording machine, for reversing the direction of drive of end of the tape the recording tape each time the is reached;

In a pres- 6-6 of Fig.

To provide. means under. convenient control of the operator for reversing thedirection of the tape at any stage of the recording operation, and for causing the machine to. run the tape in. re-. verse either to the beginning end of the lane being recorded, or else to any desired position in said lane;

To provide conveniently controllable means for running the machine in reverse to any positionof any lane on the tape;

To provide monitor means, capable of being cut in after the machine has beenrun in reverse to any desired point of any one of the recording lanes which has been impressed with a record,

for causing the machine to run in a forward direction from such point and to audibly reduce I the record to enable a review of any part of the record which has been made;

To provide means for obliterating any part of the. record which ha been made on any one of' the recording lanes and inserting a corrected recording in place thereof, without effecting previously recorded matter on adjacent lanes;

To provide means for causing the machine to drive the tape at increased speed whenever operated in reverse; v

To provide improved means for drivinga magnetic tape at constant speed past the recording elements, and also to provide a compact and improved arrangement of supply and take-up reels.

The nature of the present invention will best be understood by referring without further preliminary description to the following detailed description of a present preferred embodiment i thereof, in the course of which various objects and features of the invention not heretofore mentioned will appear and be explained. Reference for this purpose is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which? Fig. 1 is a. front elevation of an illustrative recording machine in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2a is an enlarged detail showing the anchor piece on the end of the tape; 45 Q Fig. 3 is a viewlooking at the-rearward side of a portion of themachine shown in Fig. 1; V

Fig. 4 is a view taken as indicated by arrow 4-4 ofFig.3;

Fig. -5 is a section taken asindicated by line 5-5 of Fig. 2; I

Fig. 5a is a section taken as'indicatedby line 5a5a of Fig. 2; I

Fig. 6 is a section takem as indicated by line the recording coil and .pole piece assembly;

Fig. 81s a section taken on line 8--8 of Fig. '7; Fig. 9 is a view taken on-line 6-9 of Fig. '7;

' Fig. '10 is a perspective view of a pole piece;

'Fig. 11 is across section on line of Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a portion of the machine, parts being broken away;

Fig. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electrical system and switches embodied in the machine;

Fig.14 shows an interlocking type switch utir lized in the electrical system; and

Figs. 15, 16 and 1'7 are cross-sections on line |5--|5, illustrating the operation of the interlocking switch.

The exempliflcation of the invention illustrated in the drawings has a supporting panel |5, preferably, though not necessarily, vertically disposed, and spaced forwardly of supporting panel IS, a vertical panel l6-adapted to carry certain members and serving to enclose portions of the driving gear located forwardly of supporting panel l5. As here shown, panel |6 is supported from panel |5 by means of supporting brackets |1 (See Fig. 2)

Mounted on and extending through panel i5 is a tubular bearing member l8 having bushings |9 and 20 within which is journalled spindle 2|, the latter being provided with a reduced portion 22 extending forwardly through an opening 23 in front panel l6.

Tightly mounted on spindle portion 22, immediately forwardly of bushing I9, is a belt pulley '25, and just forwardly'of pulley 25' is an equal diameter pulley 26 which is tightly mounted on the inner end of a sleeve 21 which is mounted on a bearing bushing 28 rotatable on spindle portion 22 The outer end of sleeve 21 is supported by a bearing bushing 3|] which is rotatable on a portion 3| of spindle 2| reduced to a diameter smaller than that of portion 22. The extremity 32 of spindle 2| is reduced still further, and has tightly mounted thereon an annular member 33 of' the same outside diameter as the reduced outer end 34 of sleeve 21. A pair of reels 35 and 36 for the magnetic tape are mounted in concentric, closely spaced relation on member 33 and sleeve portion 34, respectively. The reels are keyed on said members, as indicated at 31, and are preferably arranged for ready demountability. For example, the hub portions 40 of the reels may be arranged for sliding engagement with members 33 and 34, and may be releasably retained thereon by any suitable spring clamp devices as indicated at 39.

Each of reels 35 and 36 has a central hub portion 40 towhich the magnetic tape M may be anchored, in any suitable manner, and on which said tape is reeled. Forexample, as indicated in Fig. 2a, the end of the tape may be provided with an anchor piece 4| adapted to be engaged in a key-hole slot 42 formed in hub member 40. The

tape is wound on the hub of reel 35 in such dlrec-.

46. This pulley 46, which is preferably alined with reel 35 (see Fig. 2) is tightly. mounted on the reduced extremity of a drive shaft 41 journalled for rotation in bushings 46 and 49 supported by a tubular bearing member 56 mounted on and extending through supporting panel I5, said shaft passing through anopening 5| in front panel member l6. Means for driving shaft 41 will be explained later. Tape M is pressed into driving engagement with pulley 46 by a spring-pressed idler roller 52. This idler roller 52, which engages the tape and' presses it against the tread 46a of pulley 46 between pulley flanges 46b, is carried by a yoke 54 furnished with a guide stem 55 which non-'rotatably but slidably engages a bracket or support 56 mounted on panel I6.

From drive pulley 46, tape M passes upwardly through tone head 60 comprising a plurality of translating and erasing electromagnets to an idler pulley 6|, and after passing over pulley 6|, the tape is taken to inner reel 36. The tape goes on to the upper side of the roll reeled on reel 36, being wound thereon by counter-clockwise rotation of reel 36 during drive of the tape from reel 35 to reel 36. Of course, when drive pulley 46 turns right handedly, the tape is driven from inner reel 36 over idler pulley 6| and drive pulley 46 to outside reel 35, reels 35 and 36 rotating in a clockwise direction.

Preferably, idler pulley 6| is mounted on an angularly disposed shaft 62 mounted on panel I5,

tape coming from lower pulley 46, is vertically alined with pulley 46, and the angle of pulley shaft 62 being such as to direct the tape toward inside reel 36. If desired, the tape may be given a twist between pulley 6| and reel 36, in order to enable it to go onto reel 36 more readily, though ordinarily this will not be necessary.

Shaft 41 has a rearward reduced portion 65, on which are pinned spaced collars 66 and 61 providing opposed faces 68 and 69, respectively. Rotatably mounted on shaft portion 65 adjacent faces 68 and 69 are belt pulleys 10 and 1|, respectively.

Friction washers 12 are placed between the pulleys and adjacent surfaces of the collar members 66 and 61.

A clutch 15 is splined as at 16, on shaft portion 65 between pulleys 1|) and 1|. faced on opposite sides with friction washers 11, and is adapted to be moved alternately against pulleys 10 and 1| by a fork member 18. Thus, as here shown, fork member 18 has studs 19 engaging in a peripheral groove in clutch 15, and has an arm 8| (see Fig. 4) pivotally mounted on a post 82 mounted on supporting panel l5, the opposite end of the fork arm being pivotally connected at .84 to a link 85 connected to the movable plunger 86 of a solenoid 81 mounted on panel i5. A compression spring 88 acting between the solenoid and a flange 89'on link 85 normally holds solenoid core 86 in an extended position, and acts on fork member 8| to cause the latter to press clutch 15 against inner pulley 10, thus frictionally clamping the latter in driving relation on shaft portion 65. When solenoid 81 is energized, its core 86 is pulled inwardly and acts against spring 88 to swing fork arm 8| in such manner as to move clutch 15 away from inner pulley 10 and over against outer pulley 1|, thus releasing pulley 1|] for free rotation on shaft portion 65 and frictionally clamping pulley 1| in driving relation on shaft portion 65.

Pulleys 10 and 1| are connected by belts 9|) This clutch is when driven through pulley 10. In normal forward running of the machine, solenoid 81 is de-- energized and spring 88 accordingly holds clutch 15 against pulley 10, so that the machine runs 'normally at its lower speed, Upon energization of solenoid 81, however, clutch 15 is moved over' to pulley 1 I so that drive is at such time effected through large pulley 93 and outside pulley H, and shaft 41 is therefore rotated at a higher speed. The degree of increased speed obtained upon energization and actuation of the solenoid of course depends upon the relative diameters involved; preferably, the high speed operation should be at least double the normal speed, and if desired may be still higher. Various alternatives may of course be provided within the scope of the present invention for securing an increased speed of drive undercertain conditions of opera-- tion of the machine, that here shown being simple and illustrative of any such speed change means.

Means are provided forvdrivlng inside reel 36 and allowing outside reel to idle when drive pulley 46 is being driven in such direction as to drive tape M from reel 35 to reel 36, and to drive outside reel 35 and allow inside reel 36 to idle when drive pulley 46 is driving the tape in the reverse direction. For this purpose, the aforementioned pulleys 25 and 26 are connected by belts 95 and 96 with pulleys 91 and 98, respectively, arranged for alternate drive from shaft 41 as said shaft is rotated in one direction or the other. As a simple and preferred means to this end, pulleys 91 and 98 are driven through oneway drive clutches, here shown as roller-ratchet clutches I00 and IIII, respectively, from drive shaft 41, said clutches being arranged to drive alternately as shaft 41 is rotated in one direction or the other. Pulleys 91 and 98 are mounted on the outer ring portions I03 of the roller ratchet clutches, the inner members I04 of the clutches, which are provided with the usual notches I05 and rollers I06, being keyed on shaft 41. As will be evident from Figs. 5 and 5a, pulley 98 is driven through roller ratchet clutch IOI when shaft 41 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed from'the front of the machine, while pulley 91 is driven through roller ratchet clutch I00 when shaft 41 is rotated in a.clockwise direction. Accordingly, when shaft 41 is driven from motor 91 in a counter-clockwise direction, pulley 46 on the end of said shaft drives tape M from outside reel 35 toward inside reel 36, and pulley 98 is driven through roller ratchet clutch IOI to drive reel 36 to take the tape up properly. At the same time, pulley 91 idles on shaft 41, reel 35 being rotated simply by the tape which is being fed from it. And when pulley 46 is being rotated by shaft 41 and electric motor 91 in a clockwise direction, so as to drive tape M from inside reel 36 toward outside reel 35, outside reel 35 is driven through roller ratchet clutch I00, belt 95 and pulley 25 to take up the tape properly, inside reel 36 at this time rotating freely as the tape is drawn therefrom.

The relations of the driving gear should be such that the reel which is acting as the supply'reel will not be rotated by the tape at such a speed,

as the roll oftape on the reel approaches its minimum diameter, as to drive rearwardly through pulley 25 or 28, as the case maybe, at a sufliclently high speed to cause the corresponding pulley 91 or 98 to overtake the inner driven member of its roller ratchet clutch and thus tend to drive said inner member faster than it is being rotated by'shait 41. Any such tendency would of course be relieved by slippage of belts 95 or 96, as the case might be. However, this condition is avoided by properly relating the diameters of pulleys 91 and 98 to pulleys 25 and 26 as well as the diameter of pulley 46 to the diameter of the hubs of the two reels. Preferably, in order to safeguard against this condition, pulleys 25 and 26 are made of slightly smaller diameter than pulleys 91 and 98, and the effective diameter of pulley 48 is no greater than the diameter of the hub portion of the reels. With this arrangement, there is positive assurance that the supply reel cannot drive rearwardly in the manner described. This arrangement also provides a desirable overdrive on the reel which is acting as the take-up reel.

Preferably, pulleys 25 ands26 are provided with spring pressed friction shoes 25a--26a, respectively, which serve to prevent overrunning of the reels.

Tone head is shown best in Figs. 7 to 11, to which reference is now directed. This head embodies two rectangular insulation blocks H0 and I I I. A pair of headed pins I I2 pass with sliding fit through block H0 and tightly engage block III. Block H0 is thus movable toward and from block III on pins II2, the opposing faces of the two blocks being in engagement with one another when the device is in operating position. Preferably, pins I I2 have hinge joints I I3 permitting block I I0 to be swung away from block III after being pulled outwardly on pins II2. This opening arrangement, which is of great convenience in threading the recording tape between the two blocks and inserting or. replacing the pole pieces in the device, and other features of the tone or sound head are disclosed and claimed in my copending application entitled Sound head for magnetic recording machines, Serial No. 170,985, filed Oct. 25, 1937.

As! here shown (see Fig. 11), block III is mounted on the outer end of a plug member I I6,

which is adapted to be removably inserted in a socket member II1 mounted on panel l5. Leads from the erasing and recording coils are connected to pins II8 of plug member II6, which engage connector members I I9 of socket member II1 when member H6 is inserted in II1. A suitable number of such pins and connectors are provided to take care of the leads from the erasing and recording coils, and also to take care of a ground lead coming from certain magnetic sheathing members, later to be mentioned.

The opposed faces 0:1 and IIIa'of blocks IIO and I l I are formed with a longitudinally extending groove or way II5 adapted to receive and pass the recordingv tape. For example, assuming use of a tape of .002" in thickness and .125" in width, this way may be .003? in depth and .126" in width. The way should be only sufilciently larger than the cross sectional size of the magnetic tape, three sets of recording or translating and erasing coils are mounted in laterally offset or staggered positions in blocks H0 and II I. 'The tape may be considered as divided latblocks H0 and III, with their axes in line with the center of one edge lane of the tape (see Figs. 9 and 11); A second pair of erasing coils E2 and a second pair of recording or translating coils R2 are mounted in blocks H0 and III, with their axes in line with the center of the middle lane of the tape, and a third pair of erasing coils E3 and a third pair of recording or translating coils R3 are mounted in blocks H0 and III, with their axes in line with the center of the other edge lane of the tape.

Assuming, as typical of the invention, that the tape runs in a downward direction through tone head 00 while a record is being made on the first edge lane of the tape, travels upwardly through the tone head while a record is being made on the second or middle lane, and again travels downwardly while a record is being made on the third edge lane, the relative dispositionof the several coils is typically as follows: Erasing coils E1 are located above recording coils R1, erasing coils E: are located below recording coils R2, and erasing coils E: are located above recording coils R3. Thus when the tape travels downwardly for the'purpose of recording on the first edge lane, it first passes erasing coils E1 and then recording coils R1 when the tape subsequently passes upwardly, for the purpose of recording on the middle lane, it first encounters erasing coils E2 and then recording coils Rz; and when the tape next travels downwardly for the purpose of recording on the opposite edge lane, it first encounters erasing coils E: and then recording coils Ra.

Each of the recording and erasing coils comprises a wound magnetic bobbin I40 provided with a central aperture I of rectangular cross section for the magnetic pole piece I42. Bobbins I40 are received within cylindrical magnetic sheaths I40a tightly mounted within insulation block H0 or I I I, as the case may be. Sheaths I40a are interconnected by agrounded conductor I40b (see Fig. 8). Preferably, the inside flange I4Ia of each bobbin is provided with a pair of lips I4Ib adapted to be received within notches I4Ic formed in the insulation blocks H0 and III in which the coils are mounted. These lips and notches are so related to the pole piece aperture I4I that when the bobbins are mounted in blocks 1 I0 and III, apertures I4I are disposed exactly at right angles to the way II5 for the magnetic tape.

Pole pieces I42 of rectangular cross section, are slidably mounted in apertures MI, and their inner ends, which are beveled and tapered to an edge preferably not over approximately .003" in thickness and of a dimension at right angles to the tape approximately, or slightly less than, A; of the width of the tape( assuming three-lane recording). The pole pieces may be formed initially with a comparatively sharp, chisel-like edge I42a, but by reason of wear on the tape are soon blunted somewhat and operate satisfactorily, with comparatively slow speed of a tape, at a thickness dimension of approximately .003" as stated above. The greater dimension transversely of the tape of the shank of the pole piece as comaa acsi ared with the restricted pole 'piecetip is to increase the vcross sectlon of the magnetic matethat the pole' piece acts exclusively on its delegated limited width lane of the tape.

The outer endsof. pole pieces I42 are engaged by plunger members I50 pressed lightly against the pole pieces by 'means of compression springs IIiI mounted in housings I52 carried by plates I53 which are mounted on the insulation blocks, as in themanner clearly illustrated in Fig. 7.

In the embodiment of the invention here shown, the pole pieces of each pair of erasing coils are somewhat offset from one another in a direction longitudinally of the tape, while each pair of recording coil pole pieces are directly opposite one another, as clearly indicated in Fig. '7.

The tips of each pair of pole pieces are thus lightly pressed into contact with opposite sides of the recording tape, but are of such dimensions as to contact the tape only within the lane area within which said pole pieces are to act.

Preferably, rectangular electrically grounded magnetic sheaths I20 and I2I are placed over blocks H0 and III, respectively, entirely enclosing said blocks except for their meeting faces. These sheaths serve to screen out extraneous magnetic fields which might cut the recording coils and. produce noise.

Several methods of erasing or obliterating past history on the tape are known in the prior art and are capable of use in the present system. Patent No; 1,459,202 to Fuller, for example, discloses two well known methods, one consisting of energizing the erasing coils with a high frequency alternating current, which leaves the tape entirely demagnetized, and the other consisting of energizing the erasing coils with a direct current of sufli'cient strength to magnetize the tape-to saturation, or in other words polarize the tape. Either of said methods or any other found suitable may be employed in connection with the present invention, and while we here show the simple case in which the erasing coils are energized with direct current, this of course constitutes no limitation on the invention, and it will be understood that the erasing electromagnets may be energized with currents of any type which will give the desired result.

It isto be understood that when a recording is to be made on any lane of the tape, the corresponding erasing coils are supplied with an erasing current. Assuming use of a direct current for this purpose, this produces a magnetic flux through the tape between the erasing coil pole pieces, and causes the tape to be magnetized to saturation, thereby obliterating any prior recording on said lane. At the same time the corresponding recording coils are energized by a voice current, producing a correspondingly varying flux through the tape between the tips of the recording coil pole pieces, and thereby effecting a magnetization of the tape corresponding to the fluctuations of the voice current. The resulting magnetized sound record on the tape is subsequently reproduced by running the tape between a pair of reproducing coils, which may be either'the coils used for recording, or may be other, similar coils, Voice currents corresponding to the recording on the tape are generated in the coils in the reproducing operation, and are reproduced by suitable reproducing equip ment.

In accordance with the. present invention, a multiplicity of recordings are made side by side on a single tape. 'It is found in practice that these recordings do not substantially or noticeably affect one another, and that one lane may be erased, or recorded on, without affecting a previous recording on an adjacent lane.

.The electrical system is schematically shown in Fig. 13, to which reference is now directed.

A multiple switch S1 is provided, having a series of rotatable switch arms I to I56, inclusive, which will be understood to be mounted on a common shaft I58, driven through successive 90 rotative movements (assuming three lane recording) by operating means generally designated at I60.

ignated n. As shaft I 58 is rotated righthandedly through successive 90. rotative movements, switch arms I50 to I56 make successively with 90 spaced contacts designated I, 2 and 3, finally coming back to contacts n as control shaft I58 completes a full revolution.

' Recording coils R1 of the previously described 4 recording unit, are series connected, and are con--- nected by leads I64 and I65 across contacts I of switch arms I5I and I52, respectively. Recording coils R1, which are also series connected, are connected by leads I66 and I6! across contacts 2 of switcharms I5I and I52, while seriesconnected recording coils R3 are connected by leads I68 and I69 across contacts 3 of switch arms I5I and I52.

Erasing coils E1, E2, and E3 are connected at one side by leads I10, III and I12 to contacts I, 2 and 3, respectively, of switch arm I50. I I

A manual switching system is provided, preferably operated by five control push buttons T, L, R, S and St, which are preferably of a common interlocking type, so designed that depression of any button effects release of any previously depressed button. Button St appears in of any one of push buttons T, L, R, S or St causes any one of the remaining keys which was previously depressed to be released, while the depressed button stays down until some other button is depressed whereupon it is automatically released. A typical interlocking switch of this type is shown in Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17, to which attention is now directed. Control buttons T, L, R, S and St are mounted on reciprocable switch operating members 400, eachof which will be understood to act when depressed to close a series of switch contacts, as diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 13. Members 400 are pressed in an upward direction by coil springs MI, and are held down against said springs, after having been depressed, by engagement of a pivotally mounted locking plate 402 with a shoulder 403 formed thereon. Locking plate 402 is pivotally mounted at its ends, as at 405, in a supporting frame 406, which also serves as a seat for springs 40I. Plate 402 is yieldingly pressed inwardly against members 400 by a spring member 408.

Fig. 15 shows one of the members 400 in fully depressed position, .locked down by plate 402, while Fig. 16 shows the member in upper or released position. When any one of members 400 is moved downwardly from the position of Fig. 16 toward that of Fig. 15, locking plate 402is .cammed outwardly by a cam. surface 0, as in Fig. 17, so that any one .of members 400 which sition at any one time.

Switcharms I50 to I56 areshown in Fig. 13 as; all making with neutral contacts des- 1 waspreviously in the depressed position of Fig. 15, is then released by-reason of removal of plate 402 from its shoulder 403, so that said previously depressed member 400 is released and moved upwardly by'its spring 40I. As the member 400 being depressed then reaches the position of Fig. 15, looking plate 402 is moved inwardly by spring 408 to engage its shoulder 403, and therefore remains down until some other member 400 is depressed. Thus, when any one of control buttons T, L, R, S or St is depressed to the position of Fig. 15, that button then remains depressed, locked down by plate 402, and holding its corresponding switch contacts closed, while the operation of depressing that button automatically releases any previously depressed button, so that only one of said buttons will be in depressed po- Each of control buttons T, L, R, and S operate when depressed to close certain switch contacts, as indicated in Fig. 13.

Control button St, however, has no switch contacts associated therewith, and is employed as a "Stop button, simply acting when depressed to release any previously depressed button. Thus when button St is depressed, all of the switch contacts controlled by buttons T, L, R and S are open. I

A microphone is indicated at I80, and is shown as connected by leads I8I and I82 to contacts I8Ia. and I82a of a series of switch contacts operated by depression of Take push button T. When button T is depressed, contacts Him and I82a make contact with a pair of contacts I83 and I84, respectively, which are connected by leads I85 and I86 across a portion of the input winding ofan audio frequency transformer I81. The output winding of said transformer I81 is connected to vacuum tube amplifier I90, the output terminals of which are connected by leads I9I and I92 across contacts I9Ia and I92a of the switch operated by push button T. Contacts I9Ia and I92a make contact, when push button T is depressed, with contacts I94 and I95, respectively, which are connected by leads I96 and I91 to switch arms I5I and I52, respectively. Accordingly, when button T is depressed and switch arms I5I and I52 are in contact with switch contacts I, microphone I80 is connected through amplifier I across switch contacts I, and therefore is connected to first lane recording coils R1. Similarly, when switch arms I5I and I52 are in contact with contacts 2, the microphone is connected to second lane recording coils R2 and when switch arm's I5I and I52 make with contacts 3, the microphone is connected to third lane recording coils Rs.

Erasing coils E1, E2 and E3 are connected by common conductor 200 to a contact 20!, which,

when button T is depressed, makes with a contact 202 connected by lead 203 to switch arm I50. A battery 204, for energization of the erasing coils, is shown included in lead 203. Thus, when the switch arms of switch S1 are in position to make with contacts I, a circuit including battery 204 is completed through erasing coils E1, when the switch arms make with contacts 2 a circuit is closed energizing erasing coils E2, and when the switch arms are in contact with contacts 3,.a circuit is closed energizing erasing coils E3. 7

Rotation of shaft I58 of switch S1 to carry switch arms I50, I5I and I52 successively to contacts I, 2' and 3 thus successively cuts in the sets tion of the machine andeffect a recording on the first lane of the tape, with the tape running in one direction, how at the end of the first lane,

the switch arms are moved to make with contacts 2, causing the tape to reverse direction and the erasing and recording coils to act on the second or middle lane of the tape, and how the switch arms are next moved to contacts 3 to again cause the tape to be driven in the first direction and to efiect a recording on the third lane of the tape, at the end of which the switch arms are automatically moved back to starting position n.

The previously mentioned drive motor for the machine is indicated in Fig. 13 at 31, being shown as a shunt motor, although other types of reversible motors may of course be used if de- 1 sired. The power supply line is connected across the power input terminals 205 and 206, terminal 206 being connected by a conductor 201 to all three terminals I, 2 and 3 successively contacted by an arm 154 of switch S1. Arm 154 is connected by lead 203 to a contact 210, which when control button T is depressed, makes with contact 211 connected to a conductor 212 which has a branch 212a going to one side of the armature of motor 91. The other side of the armature of said motor is connected by conductor 213 to the other current supply terminal 205. Thus, when control button T is depressed and switch S1 is in any one of positions 1, 2 or 3, supply line current flows through the described circuit to the armature of motor 91. This circuit is of course open except when switch arm 153 is in contact with either of contacts I, 2 or 3. The field winding 215 of motor 91 is connected by conductors 216 and 21'! through an automatic polarity reversing switch 218 across branch conductors 21217 and 213a connected in parallel with armature current supply leads 212a and 213.

. Polarity reversing switch 218 is actuated by a solenoid 221), the movable core 221 of which operates an insulation member 222 carrying a. pair of conductor members 223 and 224. When solenoid 220 is deenergized, a coil spring 226 moves the solenoid and insulation member 222 in a direction to bring conducting members 223 and 224 against pairs of contacts 221, 228 and 229, 230, respectively. When solenoid 220 is energized, its core 221 is attracted and moved against spring 226 to carry conductor member 223 against a pair of contacts 231, 232, and conductor 224 against a pair of contacts 233, 234. Contacts 221 and 231 are electrically connected to conductor 213a, and contacts 229 and 233 are electrically connected to conductor 21227. Contacts 228 and 234 are electrically connected to one field winding lead 211, while contacts 232 and 230 are electrically connected to the other field winding lead 216. It will be evident that when switch 218 is in the normal position illustrated in Fig. 13, the field winding 215 of motor 91 is energized with one polarity with reference to the armature of the motor, field winding lead 216 being connected through switch 218 tocurrent supplylead'212b and field winding lead 211 being connected through said switch to current supply lead 213a. When solenoid 220 is-energized, however, switch members 223 and 224 connect field winding lead 216 to lead 213a and connect field winding lead 211 to current supply lead 212b, thus reversing the polarity of the field with reference to the armature, and causing the motor to run in reverse direction.

In the present illustrative embodiment of the etc., into contact with contacts 1 to start operainvention, motor 31 is so connected as to drive the machine normally in such a direction as to move the tape from inside reel 36 over idler 61, downwardly through the tone head or recorder unit 66 to drive pulley 46, and from there to outside reel 35. When solenoid 220 is energized, the direction of the motor is reversed,and the tape therefore is moved from outside reel 35 over drive pulley 46 and upwardly through tone head 60 to idler 61, and thenceto inside reel 36.

Solenoid 2211 is energized to cause the motor to run in reverse when position 2 of switch S1 is reached by the following means. Switch arm 153 of switch S1 at such time makes with contact 2, thus closing an electric circuit from solenoid 220 by way of conductor 240 to switch arm 153, and from contact 2 of switch arm 153 by way of conductor 241 to a switch contact 242, through a switch conductor 243 to a switch contact 244, and from there by way of conductor 245 to one side of battery 246, the other side of which is connected by lead 241 to solenoid 2211.

It will be evident from the foregoing that the position of switch S1 at any given time determines the lane on which the recording is being made. When switch shaft 158 is in neutral position. switch arms 150, 151, 152, etc., are all in neutral position, and the erasing, recording, motor, and motor reverse circuits are all open. When shaft 158 of switch S1 is moved to bring the switch arms into contact with contacts 1, the circuits of erasing and recording coils E1 and R1 are closed, and the motor is energized to drive the tape in through the machine from reel 36 toward reel 35, effecting a recording on one lane of the tape. When shaft 158 of switch S1 is moved to bring switch arms 150, 151, etc., into contact wtih contacts 2, the circuits of erasing and recording coils E2 and R2 are closed and the motor is energized to run in the opposite direction, effecting a recording on another lane of the tape in a direction contrary to the recording on the first lane. And when switch S1 is operated to move the switch arms into contact with contacts 3, the circuits of erasing and recording coils E3 and Rs are closed, and the drive motor is energized. to drive the tape in the first direction, effecting a recording on the third lane of the tape, in a direction the same as on the first lane. It will of course be understood that while erasing and recording coils E1 and R1 have been described as effecting a recording on one edge lane of the tape, erasing and recording coils E2 and R: as effecting a recording on the middle lane of the tape, and erasing and recording coils E3 and R3 as effecting a recording on the opposite edge lane of the tape, there is nevertheless no necessary order in which the recordings are made on the three lanes. In other words, the middle lane, instead of being. recorded second, might be recorded either first or last. It is a feature of the invention, however, that successive recordings are made with reverse directions of travel of the tape.

It will be evident that the control shaft 158 of switch S1 may be rotated manually to its successive positions. Preferably, however, automatic means are provided for operating the switch 253. A compression spring 254 acting between the end of solenoid 253 and a flange on plunger 252 normally extends the plunger and pawl to such a position as indicated in Fig. 13. When solenoid 253 is energized, the solenoid core and plunger 252 move toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 13, pawl 25! engaging ratchet reel 25!) and rotating it toward the right. Switch shaft I58 has a squared portion !58a adjacent ratchet reel 258, and bearing on this squared portion is a flat spring member 268 mounted on a fixed support 26!, and so disposed as to lie against one flat face of squared portion l58a when the switch is in any one of its four positions of rest. The ratchet reel 258 having been moved through somewhat better than an eighth of a revolution by pawl 25!, fiat spring 268- bearing on squared shaft portion !58a moves the shaft through the balance of a full quarter turn, so that the shaft is moved a quarter of a turn'each time solenoid 253 is energized. When the solenoid is deenergized, the plunger moves forwardly under the pressure of spring 254, pawl 25! pivoting on plunger 252 to clear the ratchet projection. The heel of pawl 25! engages a shoulder 2520. on plunger 252 during its operative stroke to hold it rigidly in the position illustrated during engagement and movement of the ratchet reel.

Solenoid 253 has one lead 265 going to an energizing battery 26-6, the other side of which is connected to a conductor 261. A branch conductor 261a of conductor 261 is connected to one of a pair of contacts closed by depression of the aforementioned control button S, the other contact of which is connected by conductor 269 to the other side of solenoid 253. Thus depression of control button S energizes solenoid 253, and therefore actuates mechanism I68 to operate switch S1 through successive quarter turns. In'other words, if switch S1 is in position with its switch arms making with contacts I, so as to record on lane then depression of control button S will move the arms of switch S1 to make with contacts ,2, thus setting the machine to run in reverse direction and connecting erasing and recording coils E2 and R: in circuit. Depression of control button S however causes Take button T to be released, and the machine is therefore set to record on lane 2 bydepression of button S, but the machine will not begin to run in the reverse direction until control T is again depressed. Depression of control button S thus has the effect of shifting switch S1 to the next successive position, thus shifting from one lane to the next, or from the last lane to neutral position, and stoppingthe machine.

For the purpose of automatic energization of I solenoid 253 at the end of each run of the tape through the machine, the following switching arrangements are provided.

The stretch of tape M between reel 35 and drive pulley 46 passes between a pair of felt faced lugs 288 extending from a swinging arm 28!, the pivoted end of which has a hub 28!a pivotally mounted on the reduced extremity 282 of a stud 283 mounted on panel !6, the center of axis of the pivotal mounting coinciding approximately with the point of tangency of thetape with pulley 46. Hub 28!a is confined on 282 by reason of the proximity of pulley 46 which is positioned just outside it. It will be evident that this arm 28! will be swung by the tape as the tape is wound on or off reel 35, and that the total angle of swing will depend upon the diameter of the tape when fully wound on said reel.

which closes certain contacts of a pair of switches 281 and 288 as said arm reaches opposite limits of its angular travel; Thus, as said arm nears the upper limit of its travel (the tape being nearly off reel 35), its lug 286 engages an insulation member 298 on an arm 28! of switch 281, moving 1 arm 29! to bring its switch contact against a contact carried by a switch arm 292. A circuit is thereby closed toa warning signal, as later to be described. A suitable time after the warning signal circuit has thus been closed, lug 286 engages and moves an insulation member 295 carried by a switch arm 286 to open a circuit between a contact carried by arm 296 and a contact carried by a switch arm 291, and also acts, through insulation member 298 between arm 286 and a switch arm! 289, to close a circuit between contacts carried by arms 298 and 388. Switch contacts 29!, 292, 288, 291, 299 and 388 are all carried on a suitable insulation block 382 secured tothe face of panel !6.

Switch 288, similar to switch 281, and actuated as arm 28! reaches the lower limit of its travel (with the tape nearly fully reeled on reel 35), is carried by. an insulation block 385 secured to the rearward face of an adjustable swinging arm 386' pivotally mounted on a reduced portion 381 of stud 283. Arm 386 has an arcuate portion 388 provided with notches 388 adapted to be selectively engaged by a spring pressed detent 3l8, and it will be evident that the extent of downward angular travel of arm 28! prior to operation of switch 288 is determined by the setting of arcuate arm portion 388 with reference to-detent 3!8. The notches 389 of arm portion 388-are calibrated in diameters of reel 35. Thus, if a small reel, say of 6" in diameter, is to be used on the machine, arm 304 will be moved to a position with its notch 6 engaged by detent 3!8, so that switch 288 will be so positioned as to' be operated as tape M reaches an angular position near its lowermost (full-reel) extreme for a 6" reel. Arm 384 is shown adjusted for a 6" reel in Fig. 1.

In downward movement of arm 28!, arm lug 286 first engages an insulation member 3! closing a circuit between switch arms 3!5 and 3!6, and then, after a suitable time period, engagesand moves an insulation. member 3!1, breaking.

' a circuit between switch arms 3l8 and 3!8, and

3!5, 3!6 which are closed just prior to the upwardand downward limits of movementof tape following arm 28 are connected in parallel across leads 325 and 326 going to warning signal 321, which may typically bea buzzer, and battery 328.'- This buzzer will. therefore sound a short time before the'magnetic tape reaches the end of its travel in either direction of ope-ration.

Switch arms 289, 388 and 328, 32! are connected in parallel across leads 338 and 33!, lead 338 being connected to one side of solenoid 253, and lead 33! being connected to contact 332 contacted by a cooperating contact 333- when control button T is depressed. Contact 333 is connected to the aforementioned conductor 261, which is connected, via battery 268 and conductor 265, to the other end of solenoid 253.

Thus control button T being depressed, when either switch arms 299 and 388 or switch arms 3!5 and 3!6 are closed, as tape following arm 28! reaches the upper or lower limit of its angular Arm 28! has a rearwardly projecting lug 286 travel, a circuit is formed energizing solenoid vance shaft I58 of switch S1 through a quarter turn. Accordingly,-as the magnetic tape nears the end of its travel in either direction of operation of the machine, switch S1 is automatically actuated to advance through a quarter turn, thus reversing the direction of the drive motor to cause the tape to be driven in the opposite direction, and cutting in the next set of erasing and recording coils, as previously described. 01 course, at the end of recording lane 3, the automatic operation of switch S1 carries the switch arms of switch S1 back to neutral position, therefore opening the motor circuit and stopping the machine.

Thus, as the tape reaches a-,predetermined limit of travel in each direction, the switch S1 is stepped ahead, which sets the machine to run' in the reverse direction and connects in the next set of translating and erasing magnets; and this actuation of switch S1 at the predetermined end lmits of travel of the tape may be accomplished automatically, by closure of switches 281 or 288 by the tape, as described immediately above, or manually by depression of the control button S, as first described. It will be understood that when automatic actuation of switch S1 is employed, such actuation will occur automatically at definite end positions of the tape, whereas with manually controlled ac-,

tuation of switch S1, e. 'g., by use of control button S, the above mentioned predetermined end limits of travel are not precisely located points but are limited end zones in the travel of the tape, within which the button S may or is to be manually depressed, the approach or beginning of said zones being preferably marked and made known to the operator for instance by a warning signal such as 321 which gives an indication a suitable interval of time prior to complete unwinding of the tape from the tape supplying reel.

Depression of reverse button R causes the machine, regardless of what direction in which it may have been running, to reverse the direction of travel of the tape. To avoid confusion, the tape will always hereinafter be spoken of as running in a forward direction when the tape is travelling in a proper direction for recording on any lane to which reference is made, and as running in reverse when travelling in a contrary direction. In other words, in the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, when switch S1 is in position with its switch arms making with contacts I, so thaterasing coils E1 and recording coils R1 are in closed, circuit, the tape is moving forwardly when travelling downwardly through recording head 60, so as to pass coils.E1 first and coils R1 second, and is travelling in reverse direction when moving upwardly through the sound head. When switch S1 is in position with its arms making with contacts 2 so that erasing coils E2 and R2 are in closed circuit, the forward or recording direction of the tape is upwardly through the sound head, and the reverse direction of the tape is downwardly through the sound head. Finally, when switch S1 is in position with its arms making with contacts 3, with erasing coils E3 and R3 in circuit, the forward or recording direction of the tape is downwardly through the sound head, and the reverse direction of 'the tape is upwardly through the sound head.

- 253, and therebyactuating mechanism ISO to ad- I With this understanding, depression of Reverse button R, regardless of which set of erasing and recording coils may be in circuit, and

therefore in which direction the tape may be travelling, eiiects reverse drive of the tape, which continues either until button R is released, as by depression of eitherStop button St,-Take button '1, or Listen button L, or until the tape running in reverse reaches the end of the recording lane. Assuming switch S1 to be in position with its arms making with either contacts I or 3, so that the tape is travelling downwardly through sound head 60, and either lane I' or lane 3 are being recorded on, depression of button R closes a circuit as follows: Switch contact 338, electrically connected by branching -conductor 338a to contacts I, Band n of switch arm I55, makes with contact 339, connected by lead 340 to solenoid winding 34I of a relay R1, the other side of winding 3 being connected by conductor 342 to the aforementioned switch arm 236. Switch arm 291, normally in contact with switch arm 296, is connected by conductor 293a to switch arm 3I8, and switch arm 3I9, normally in contact with switch arm 3I8, is electrically connected by lead 345 to arm I55 or switch S1, the circuit being completed from arm I55 to contact I or 3, as the case may be. A battery 345 is placed in the circuit, here shown as included in conductor 342. Depression of button R thus has the effect or energizing winding 34I of relay R1.

This encrgization of relay winding 34I acts throughmovable solenoid core 349 and'insulation member 350 connected thereto, against a restoring spring 35I, to bring an electrically conductive switch member 352 across switch contacts 353 and 354. This effects a closure of the circuit 240, 245 energizing motor reversing relay winding 220, so that the motor is connected to run in reverse direction.

Since depression of reverse button R effects release of Take button T, however, the motor energizing circuit is open at this time at contacts vided with'an electrically conductive .me'mberv 35B adapted to bridge electrical contacts 359 and 360 when winding MI is energized. A circuit is thereby completed from lead 201, connected to one side of the line, throughconductor 36I to contact 359, and from contact 360 by way of conductors 352 and 353 to lead 2I2 going to the motor, thus closing a circuit across contacts 2 I 0 and 2I I which normally close the motor circuit, but which are open when the reverse button is depressed.

Assume now that the switch arms or'switch S1 are in contact-with contacts '2. It will beremembered that a circuitis at such time formed through arm I53 of switch S1 through lead24l contacts 242 and 244, normally bridged by conductive member 243, to lead 245 going tomotor reversing solenoid 220, and from there by way of conductor 240 back to switch arm I53. Motor reversing relay 2I8 is therefore energized and the motor connected to run in reverse, soas to drive the tape'upwardly-through sound head 60,

and ,a circuit is thereby-Tclo'sed as follows: Con- ,tact 310,-connectecitofswltchcontact.2 by conductor 3", makes with contact 312, connected button L at once. In either event, depression or by lead 313 to the solenoid winding 314 of relay R2, the other side of winding 314 being connected by lead 315 to the aforementioned conductor 342. Thus, depression of control button R when switch arm I55 is in contact with contact 2 of switch S1 effects closure of a circuit energizing the winding of relay Ra.

The movable core 318 of winding 314 is then attracted and moves an insulation member 319, restrained bya spring 380, to bring the aforementioned electrically conductive member 243 hold 81.

out of contact with contacts 242 and 244, thereby opening motor reverse 'circuit 240, 24I, which is normally closed when switch arm I53 is in contact with contact 2 of switch S1, so that the motor is again connected to drive in its normal forward direction, but to move the tape in reverse for recording lane 2.

The motor is energized at this time through the following connections: Lead 201, connected to one side of the line, lead 4I4, contact MB of a pair of relay contacts M6 and 4H, conductive bridging member 4I8 of relay R2, then in contact with M6 and M1, wire 4I9, wire 363, and lead 2I2 to one side of the motor, the other side of the motor being connected to the line as before.

Means are provided for automatically increasing the speed of the tape during travel in reverse. A typical change speed device for this purpose is illustrated in and was described in connection with Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The solenoid 81 only of this speed change device is indicated in Fig. 13, one terminal of the solenoid winding being shown as connected by conductor 400 to a contact 40I of relay Rrand to a contact 402 of relay R2. The other side of the winding of solenoid 81 is connected by conductor 404 to a contact 405 of relay R1 and to a contact 406 of relay R2. Conductor 404 is shown as including a battery 408 for energization of solenoid 81. When the winding of relay R1 is energized, in efiecting reverse travel of the tape for recording lanes I and 3, a conductive member 4I0 bridges contacts 40I and 405, thus closing the circuit of solenoid 81, and when the winding of relay R2 isenergized, in effecting reverse travel of the tape for recording lane 2, conductive member 4 bridges contacts 402 and 406 to close the circuit to sole- This has the effect, as previously described, of moving solenoid plunger 86 to shift clutch 15 and therefore cause drive shaft 41 to be driven from motor 91 through high gear ratio pulleys 93 and H and connecting belts 9|, thus substantially increasing the speed of travel of the tape.

The reason for so running the tape in reverseis of course to back-track any desired distance along the lane being recorded on, so that the machine can then be stopped and the tape then again run in a forward direction while the re-.

cording previously made is .either listened to through a reproducing means, or else corrected by removing the previous recording and substituting a different recording. The reproducing means for listening back is set in operation by depressing Listen control button L. For instance, assuming that it is desired to listen back to a recording that has been made on the same lane being recorded, reverse button R is depressed, thus driving the tape in reverse. Reverse travel of the tape is then stopped either by depressing button St, which stops the machine entirely, after which button L would be depressed, or else by depressing button L closes circuits as follows: Contacts 590 and 50I make respectively with contacts 502 and 503, the latter being connected to leads 504 and 505, respectively, connected to a speaker 506.

Switch contacts 500 and 50I are connected to leads I92 and I8I, respectively, connected to the output end of amplifier I90. Switch arms I5I of control button L connects whichever pair of recording coils happens to be in closed circuit, depending upon the position of switch arms I5I and I52, to the input end of amplifier I90, and connects the output end of said amplifier to speaker 506. With connections so made, forward travel of the tape will cause the recording thereon to be reproduced by therecording coils and speaker. It will thus be seen that the same coils used for recording are employed for listening back, the coils thus serving as recording coils when Take button T is depressed, and as reproducing coils when Listen button L is depressed.

Depression of button L not only connects said coils to speaker 506, but also effects closure of the motor circuit, so that the motor will cause the tape to be driven ahead for reproducing purposes. Thus, depression of button L effects closure of contacts 520 and 52I, connected across leads 2 I2 and 209, closing the circuit of motor 91.

Thus, when it is desired to listen back along the lane being recorded, button R will first be depressed to run the tape in a reverse direction as far as necessary, at which time stop button St may be depressed, causing button R to be released and so stopping the machine. Listen button L may then be depressed, energizing the motor to run again to drive the tape in a forward direction, and also connecting the proper recording coils to the speaker, the coils at this time functioning as reproducing coils. Or, Listen button L may be depressed without first depressing stop button St, inwhich case the machine immediately changes direction, with the same results as before, depression of the stop button thus not being essential. It will be evident that depression of reverse button R, followed by depression of Listen button L, will effect reverse travel of the tape. and then forward travel of the tape, regardless of which lane may at the time be in use.

If, having run the tapein reverse to a given point in the previously made recording, it is then desired to remove some of the recording beyond that point and to replace it with a corrected recording, button T is depressed, and the corrected recording made simply by speaking into microphone I80 as before. ,The erasing coils remove the previously made recording, and the recording coils impress the new recording on lane in travel of the tape in either direction when the machine is running'under control or reverse button R.

It has now been described how the tape may be caused to travel in reverse along a given recording lane to any desired point thereon, in

order that the recording following that point may either be audibly reproduced and reviewed, or else erased and, if desired, replaced by a corrected recording. It it is desired to listen back to a previously traversed lane, or to correct a previously traversed lane, control button S may be depressed the proper number or times to move switch S1 to position to connect the proper recording and erasing coils in circuit. Thus, assuming that switch S1 is in position with its switch arms making withcontacts 3, so that the machine is in condition to record along lane 3,

it it should be desired to listen-back to the record-- ing on lane I, control button S would be depressed, causing switch operating mechanism I60 to move the arms of switch S1 to neutral position. button St would then be depressed to release button S, and button B would then be again depressed to operate switch actuating mechanism I60 to move the arms of switch S1 to make with contacts I. The machine is then in condition to record on lane I, or listen-back to matter previously recorded on lane I.

If Listen buttonL is then depressed, the machine will drive the tape forwardly to the end of lane I. At this time, the solenoid 253 controlling switch operating mechanism I80 is energized by closure of circuit leads 261 and 33I by the switch mechanism operated by tape i'ollowing arm 28I, said circuit being at this time closed at contacts 540 and 54I controlled by button L. The switch arms of switch S1 are accordingly moved to make with contacts 2, and the tape is accordingly driven in a forward direction for recording on lane 2, the recording previously made on lane 2 then being reproduced at speaker 506. Thus, with Listen button L depressed, the tape is again driven in alternate directions, with recording coils R1, R2 and R3 being successively cut into circuit, so that the entire recording made on the three recording lanes may be consecutively reproduced.

Assume now that a recording has been carried to the end of lane 3, and that switch operating mechanism I60 has been automatically actuated,

' in the manner. previously described, to move the arms of switch S1 to neutral contacts 11., and that it is then desired to run the tape in reverse to the beginning end of lane I. arm I55 is connected to one branch of conductor 338a, as previously mentioned. But the circuits controlled by reverse button R are open at this time at switch arms 3I8 and 3I9 of switch 288, so that depression of button R at this time would be ineffective without auxiliary means for bridging switch arms 3I8 and 3I9. Accordingly, a normally open switch 560 is connected across leads 342 and 348. Reverse button R is then depressed, and switch 560 is held closed for a moment, thus closing circuit 342, 348 energizing reverse relay R1 and thereby energizing motor 91 Contact 1:. of switch to drive the tape. As soon as the tape has moved a suflicient distance to allow switch arms SI! and 3I9 to reclose, switch 560 may be released.

' A visual signal is preferably provided to indicate the position of switch S1, in order that the operator will know at all times whether the first, second or third lane recording coils are in circuit. As a simple means to this end, contacts I, 2 and 8 traversed by arm I55 of switch S1 are connected by conductors 510, HI and 512, to illuminants 513, 514 and 515, respectively, a return lead 518 connected to the other side of the three illuminants being connected, via battery 518, to switcharm I56. Neutral contact 11. is left open. Thus, the recording lane in use 'at any given time is indicated by the illumination 01' the corresponding one of these illuminants,. which, may, if desired, be of different colors.,

When switch S1 is in neutral position, all illuminants are extinguished.

The invention has been described with sound recordation particularly in view. However, as will be evident, the invention in many of its aspects is adaptable to the recording and reproduc-. tion of electriccurrents which are not necessarily sound or voice currents. For the purpose of certain of the broader claims, the expression record current is employed to denote the electric current flowing in the translating coils, either in recording or reproduction, whether or not said current is a sound or voice cur-rent.

It will be understood that the specific exemplification of the invention here givenis for illustrative purposes only, and that various changes in design, structure and in the arrangement 01' the electrical system, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally moving said tape in reverse directions, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape and oiiset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, and means for successively energizing said sets of erasing and translating electromagnets as the tape is moved in one direction and then the other.

2. In a magnetic recording system, the com-' bination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally moving said tape-in reverse directions, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape and oiTset transversely of the tape with I moved, a pair of reels adapted to supply and take up the tape moved past said magnets, each of said reels each acting as a supply or take up reel depending upon the direction of movement of the tape past the magnets, driving means acting on the tape between said reels for moving said tape past said magnets at constant speed in either direction, and driving interconnections between said driving means andsaid reels adapted to drive said reels alternately as said drive means moves the tape in one direction or the other, each of said driving interconnections including a one way driving clutch, said clutches acting in such directions as to drive selectively the reel functioning as the take up reel for each direction movement of the tape by said drive means.

4. In a magnetic recording machine, the combination of erasing and translating magnets .between and past which a magnetic tape may be moved, a pair of closely adjacent, concentric reels adapted to supply and take up the tape moved past said magnets, said reels each acting as a supply or take up reel depending upon the direction of movement of the tape past the magnets, driving means acting on the tape between said reels for moving said tape past said magnets at constant speed in either direction, and driving interconnections between said driving means and said reels adapted to drive said reels alternately as said drive means moves the tape in one direction or the other, each of said driving interconnections including a one way driving clutch, said clutches acting in such directions as to drive selectively the reel functioning as the take up reel for each direction of movement of the tape by said drive means.

5. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and offset transversely of the tape with. respect. to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, reversible drive means for the tape, means automatically operable as the tape reaches a predetermined limit of travel in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, and

automatic means for consecutively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in either direction. 1 1 a 6. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a fiat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixedlin'e of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally-extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable at a predetermined limit of travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecutively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in either direction, and manually controllable means operable at intermediate points in the travel of the tape in either direction for reversing the direction of travel of the tape.

7. In a magnetic recording system, thecombination of a fiat magnetizabletape, means guiding said tape'for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally exin each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecutively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direction at the end 01' travel in either direction, and manually controliable means operable to successively change connection of the erasing and recording current circuits from set to set of the erasing and translating magnets.

8. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable' tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and oflset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable at a predetermined limit of travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecutively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direc tion at the end of travel in either direction, and manually controllable means operable to suecessively change connection of the erasing and recording current circuits from set to set of the erasing and translating magnets and to correspondingly change the direction of travel of the tape.

9. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for saidsets of electromagnets, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable at a predetermined limit of travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecutively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in either direction, manually controllable means operable at intermediate points in the travel of the tape in either direction for reversing the direction of travel of the tape, and manually controllable means operable to successively change connection of the erasing and recording current circuits from set to set of the erasing and translating magnets and to correspondingly change the direction of travel ofthe tape. r

10. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a fiat magnetizable-tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and ofiset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of. the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable at a predetermined limit of travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecu-. tively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in either direction, manually controllable means operable at intermediate points in the travel of the tape in either direction for reversing the direction of travel of the tape, and means actuated upon operation of said manually controllable .means for increasing the speed of travel of the tape. I,

11. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a fiat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of'travel and oiiset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable at a predetermined limit of travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecutively connecting said sets of erasing and translating magnets to said erasing and recording current circuits as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in either direction, manually controllable means operable at intermediate points in the travel of the tape in either direction for reversing the direction of travel of the tape, means actuated upon operation of said last mentioned manually controllable means for increasing the speed of travel of the tape, and manually controllable means operable to suecessively change connection of the erasing and recording current circuits from set to set of the erasing and translating magnets and to correspondingly change the direction of travel of the tape.

12. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable near the end of the travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, a plurality of sets of successively used erasing and translating magnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and ofiset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending areas of the tape, the erasing and translating magnets of each such set being spaced apart longitudinally of the tape, and successively used sets of magnets having their erasing magnets positioned ahead of the translating magnetsfor the alternating directions of travel of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets 'of magnets, and means for consecutively connect ing said successively used sets of magnets to said erasing and recording currentcircuits as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in each direction.

13. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape formovement along a fixed line of travel, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable near the end of the travel of the tape in each direction for rerversing the direcsuccessively used erasing and translating magnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and oii'set transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending areas of the tape, the erasing and translating magnets oi. each such set being spaced apart longitudinally of the tape, diflerent sets of said magnets having their erasing and translating magnets located in reverse order along said line of travel 01 said tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of magnets, and means operable as the tape is driven from end to end in contrary directions to connect said circuits to successive sets of magnets having their erasing and translating magnets in reverse orders along said line of travel, in such manner thatthe tape passes the connected set of magnets erasing magnets first and translating magnets last.

14. In a magnetic recording machine, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, guide means for guiding said tape for movement along afixed line of travel, a pair of reels adapted to supply and take up the tape from opposite ends of said fixed line of travel, a plurality'of sets of erasing and translating magnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said fixed line of travel and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, electric drive means for the tape, switch means operable to reverse the direction of drive of said drive means, means for operating said switch near the end of the travel of the tape in each direction embodying means moved by transverse travel of the stretch of the tape between one of the reels and said guide means, erasing and recording current circuits, and means for connecting successive sets of erasing and translating magnets to said circuits as said switch means is operated to reverse the direction of drive of the tape.

15. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of erasing and translating magnets between which a magnetic tape may be moved, means for guiding a tape for movement between said magnets, driving means for driving the tape in either direction between said magnets, means automatically actuated at the :end of the travel of the tape in each direction forreversing the direction of drive of thetape by said driving means, and a warning signal automatically actuated by the tape a predetermined interval of time before the direction of drive of the tape is so reversed.

16. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a fiat magnetizable tape, means guidingsaid tape for movement along a'fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and oilset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act .on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording adapted when'energized to reverse the direction of said motor, an electric switching system including switching means movable to successive operating positions, said switching means connecting said erasing and recording current circuits to successive sets of erasing and translating electromagnets as it isfmoved from position to position, means for moving said switching means ahead one position as the tape reaches a predetel-mined limit or travel in either direction,

said switching system having contacts closing said motor reversing circuit in an alternate operating position of said switching means, whereby the tape is driven alternately in reverse direction as the switching means is moved from position to position. r I

17. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape iormovement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets oi erasing and translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation'to said tape along said line oi travel and oflset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, erasing and recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, a reversible drive motor, tape driving means driven by said motor, an electric circuit adapted when energized to reverse the direction of said motor, an electric switching system including switching means movable from a neutral position step by step through a plurality of successive operating positions and back to neutral position, said switching means connecting said erasing recording current circuits to successive sets or erasing and translating coils as it is moved from position to position, electromagnetic means for moving said switching means ahead one position as the tape reaches a predetermined limit of travel in either direction, an electric energizing circuit for said electromagnetic means automatically energized by virtue of the tape reaching said predetermined limit of travel in either direction, and said switching system having contacts closing said motor reversing circuit in alternate operating positions of the switching means whereby the tape is driven alternately in reverse direction's as the switching means is moved from position to position.

18. In a magnetic sound recording system, thecombination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally 'moving said tape in reverse directions, a plurality of sets of erasing and translating magnets-mounted in operative relation to said tape and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, means for producing a sound current and an erasing current, and'switchingmeans for causing said currents to flow in the erasing and translating magnets, respectively, of any selected one of said sets.

19. In a magnetic sound record system, the

lating. magnets.

20. In a magnetic sound record system, the

combination of a fiat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally driving said tape-at uniform speed in reverse directions, a plurality of pairs of translating magnets mounted in operative relation to said tape and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of said tape, a circuit for sound currents, an acoustic device in said circuit. and switching means for successively connecting said circuit to said pairs of translating magnets as the tape is moved in one direction and then the other.

21. In a magnetic recordingmachine, the combination of translating magnets between which a magnetic tape may be moved, a pair of reels adapted to supply and take up the tape moved past said magnets, a tape driving pulley engaging said tape between said reels, driving means adapted to drive said pulley at constant speed in either direction, and driving interconnections between said drivingmeans andach of said reels adapted to drive said reels alternately as said driving means drives said pulley in one direction and then the other, each of said driving interconnections including a one-way driving clutch, said clutches driving in such directions as to drive selectively the reel toward which the tape is being driven.

22. In a magnetic recording machine, the combination of translating magnets between which a magnetic tape may be moved, a pair of reels adapted to supply a take up the tape moved past said magnets, a ape driving pulley engaging said tape between said reels, driving means adapted to drive said pulley at constant speed in either direction, and means for increasing the speed of drive of said pulley.

23. In a magnetic recording machine, the combination of translating magnets between which a magnetic tape may be moved, a pair of reels adapted to supply and take up the tapemoved pastsaid magnets, a tape driving pulley engaging said tape between said reels, driving means adapted to drive said pulley at constant speed in either direction, means for automatically reversing the direction of drive of said pulley at predetermined limits of travel of the tape, and manually controllable means for reversing the direc-. tion of drive of said pulley at points between said limits. g

24. In a magnetic record system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally drivingsaid tape in either direction at constant speed, translating magnet means selectively operable on adjacent lanes of the tape, means for reversing the direction of drive of the tape as the tape reaches a predetermined limit of travel in each direction, means for changing the lane of the tape operated on by the translating magnet means as the direction of drive of the tape is so reversed, and means for reversing the direction of drive of the tape between said predetermined limits without changing the lane of the tape operated on by the translating magnet means.

' 25. In a magnetic record system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for iongitudinally moving said tape in reverse directions, a plurality of sets of translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another soas to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, a circuit for record currents, and means for selectively connecting said circuit to'any one of said sets of translating magnets.

26. In a magnetic record system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally moving said tape in reverse directions,

a plurality of sets oi! translating electromagnetsextending lanes of the tape, a circuit for record currents and means for consecutively connecting said circuit to said'sets oi translating magnets.

27, In a magnetic record system, the combinetion-of a fiat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally moving the tape in reverse directions, means for reversing the direction or travel or the tape at predetermined limits of travel, a plurality of sets of translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said-tape and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, a circuit for record currents, and meansfor successively connecting said circuit to diiierent sets 01 said translating magnets as the direction of travel of the tape is reversed at said limits of travel.

28. In a magnetic record system, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, means for longitudinally moving the tape in reverse directions, means for reversing the direction of travel or the tape at a predetermined limit oi. travel, a plurality of sets of translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape and .ofiset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, a circuit for record currents and means for switching the connection oi. said circuit from one of said sets of translating mag-.

nets to another'as the direction of travel of the tape is reversed at said limit of travel.

29. In a magnetic record system, the combination of a'fiatmagnetizable tape, translating magnets for said tape, means for guiding said tape to travel between said magnets, drive means for driving said tape, means for reversing the direction of drive of the tape by said drive means at predetermined limits of travel of the tape, and manually controllable means for reversing the direction of drive 01 the tape by said driving means at points between said limits.

30. In a magnetic recording system, the combithe direction of drive of the'tape, an electric record current circuit, and means for connecting said circuit consecutively to said sets of trans: lating electromagnets as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in either direction.

31. In a magnetic record machine, the combination of a fiat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed path of travel, a plurality of sets of translating electroe magnets mounted inoperative relation to said tape along said path of travel and positioned in offset relation with reference to one another transversely of the tape so as to act on adjacent longitudinall vextending lanes of the tape, an electrical circuit for record currents, reversible drive means for the tape, means operable at a predeterminedlimit of travel of the tape in each direction for reversing the direction of drive of the tape, means for consecutively connecting said sets of translating magnets'to said electrical circuit, as the tape reverses direction at the end of travel in each direction, and manually controllable means operable to successively change con-- nection of said electrical circuit from set to set of the translating mag-nets..

' 32. In a magnetic record machine, the combination of a flat magnetizable tape, guide means for guiding said tape for movement along a fixed means operable to reverse the direction of drive of said drive means, means for operating said switch means at a predetermined limit of travel of the tape in each direction embody g means moved by change of position of the tape with reference,[' to said reels, an electrical circuit for record currents, and means for consecutively connecting sets of said translating electromagnets to said circuit as said switch means is operated to reverse the direction of drive of the tape.

33. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a fiat magnetizabletape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of translating electromagnets mounted inoperative relation to said tape along said'line of travel and ofisettransversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, recording current circuits for said sets of electromagnets, a reversible drive motor, tape driving means driven by said motor, an electricmotor-r'eversing circuit adapted when energized to reverse the direction of said motor, an electric switching system including switch means movable step-by-step to successive positions, said switch means acting to connect said recording current circuits to successive sets of translating electromagnets as it is moved from position to position, means for moving said switch means ahead one position .as the tape reaches a predetermined limit of travel in either direction, said switching system having motor reversing contacts closing said motor reversing circuit in an alternate operating position of said switch means, whereby the tape is driven alternately in reverse directions as the switch means is moved from position to position, and manually controllable switch means for reversing-the direction of said motor, said last mentioned switch means being arranged to open said motor reverse circuit while said motor reverse contacts are closed, and to close said motor reverse circuit while said motor reverse contacts are open.

34. In a magnetic recording system, the combination of a fiat magnetizable tape, means guiding said tape for movement along a fixed line of travel, a plurality of sets of translating electromagnets mounted in operative relation to said tape along said line of travel and offset transversely of the tape with respect to one another so as to act on adjacent longitudinally extending lanes of the tape, recording current circuits for said. sets of electromagnets, a reversible drive motor, tape driving means driven by said motor, an electric motor-reversing circuit adapted when energized to reverse the direction of said motor, an electric switching system including switch means movable step-by-step to successive posi-- tions, said switch means acting to connect said recording current circuits to successive sets 01' translating electromagnets as it is' moved from position to position, means for moving said switch means ahead one position as the tape reaches 

